Shocks galore as Rennie names 11 uncapped players in Wallabies squad

Outcasts at the Waratahs, Michael Wells and Andrew Kellaway are among 11 uncapped players in Dave Rennie’s Wallabies squad for next month’s series against France.

Dave Rennie has included 11 uncapped players in his Wallabies squad. Photo: Getty Images

Lachie Swinton will remain with the Wallabies even if he is suspended from the upcoming series against France because of his “competitive edge”.

But despite his brain explosion at the breakdown against the Chiefs on Saturday which saw him red carded, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie wants his players to play with the same fire Swinton plays with.

“We’ve got good men in our group, who when they cross the chalk we want them to become a different creature; aggressive and competitive,” Rennie told reporters after announcing his 38-man squad.

“I think that’s a big part of defending, wanting to get out to physically dominate to create opportunities for us to attack off, so it needs to be a big part of our DNA.”

Swinton, who was red carded on debut against the All Blacks, was one of three players named in the squad who might be forced out of the series, with uncapped centre Izaia Perese expected to be ruled out.

Halfback Jake Gordon is also in doubt with a MCL injury and Brumbies second-choice No.9 Ryan Lonergan is on standby should the Waratahs captain be ruled out.

Explosive backs Jordan Petaia and Suliasi Vunivalu had already had their names scratched out after long-term leg injuries, but Rennie said both would return when fit.

There are 11 uncapped players in Rennie’s squad, which is captained by Michael Hooper.

Andrew Kellaway of the Rebels is tackled during Andrew Kellaway has been included in the Wallabies squad. Photo: Getty Images

Waratahs outcasts Michael Wells and Andrew Kellaway are two of the bolters in the squad, but have justified their selections after strong seasons for the Rebels.

Wells, who can play anywhere in the backrow and has built a reputation as a rock-solid, hardworking loose-forward, was the Waratahs forward of the year in 2018.

But the 28-year-old was forced to look elsewhere only a year later after being offered a laughable contract for a seasoned pro.

Kellaway, having left the Waratahs in 2018 after being touted for greatness as a teenager, has taken the longer route to the national team.

After leaving the Waratahs, Kellaway spent time in the English Premiership and in Japan’s Top League before returning for his second stint at the Rebels.

But his versatility and dependability has seen him explode into contention to play against France.

Lalakai Foketi is the biggest shock in the Wallabies squad. Photo: Getty Images

“Andrew Kellaway’s obviously come in late,” Rennie said.

“He fronted when it mattered and ended up getting a nod.

“In this group, we’re picking guys who we think are ready now.

“We want the young guys to come in and contribute immediately and not sit in the back and be happy to make up numbers.

“When you’re playing three Tests in 11 days, there’s a chance you’re going to go deep into your squad. “

Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan and Waratahs centre Lalakai Foketi are others who have catapulted into the selection frame recently.

Izack Rodda was one of a number of high profile players to miss out.

Other regular Wallabies to miss selection were Pete Samu, Liam Wright, Folau Fainga’a, Jordan Uelese and Tom Robertson.

After Australia’s Super Rugby sides were exposed defensively over the past month, Rennie emphasised the necessity of wanting to show a desire and willingness to enjoy playing without the ball.

“Between all our sides we’ve leaked an enormous amount of tries and so getting a real identity around our defensive purpose is going to be really important,” he said.

“We want to play a really attractive brand of footy and we want to play smart, so we need to make sure our skills are accurate so we’re not turning the ball over. We want to have a smart game through kicking so we can apply pressure, but we want to defend really well and so the quality of our tackling and our ability to get back on our feet is really important.”

Rennie, whose Chiefs side built a reputation of being one of the best counter-attacking provincial sides in the world, added the Wallabies needed to follow Swinton’s hard edge and play on the limits.

“We’ve got a lot of young men in our group and for us to be competitive against the best sides in the world, we need to increase our physicality and enjoy that part of the game,” the two-time Super Rugby-winning coach said.

“We’ve got to get excited about having to defend for long periods.

“All the best sides in the world have an edge, we just talk about it as a dark side.”

Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie talks to his backline during the 2020 Test season. Photo: Getty Images

World Cup member Rodda left Australian rugby during the height of the Covid pandemic but is once again eligible for selection after signing for the Force in 2022. But Rennie, unlike Matt Philip, has decided not to parachute the experienced second-row into the squad after returning from France.

Clubs represented: 12 Brumbies, 9 Reds, 9 Rebels, 6 Waratahs, 2 Western Force

Wallabies squad:

Forwards: Michael Hooper (c), Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili*, Feleti Kaitu’u*, Rob Leota*, Lachlan Lonergan*, Fraser McReight, Isi Naisarani, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Matt Philip, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Darcy Swain*, Lachie Swinton, Sitaleki Timani, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Michael Wells*, Harry Wilson

Backs: Tom Banks, Filipo Daugunu, Lalakai Foketi*, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau*, Andrew Kellaway*, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Andy Muirhead*, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Izaia Perese*, Matt To’omua, Nic White, Tom Wright